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POSTED: Friday, December 25, 2009

Salvation Army gets golden gift

The Salvation Army discovered gold on Kauai yesterday.

An anonymous donor dropped a 1-ounce 1979 Krugerrand gold coin valued at $1,200 in the red kettle at the Big Save store in Koloa as the bell-ringing campaign was drawing to a close, the Salvation Army said.

Lt. Sarah Smuda, corps officer at the Hanapepe-Koloa Salvation Army, said she found the coin while counting donations and was thrilled.

Maj. Edward Hill, divisional commander of the Salvation Army, said, “;This is the crowning jewel on what has been an amazing red kettle campaign this year. Despite the hurting economy, the people of Hawaii have responded and have been generous to the point that we may exceed last year's donations by 5 to 10 percent at the end of the campaign.”;

For more information, call Lt. Smuda at 281-7953.

NEIGHBOR ISLANDS

Kauai voters to determine Council terms

LIHUE » The term for Kauai County Council members might be extended to four years from two.

The county Charter Review Commission has voted unanimously to move forward with a proposal to double the term length. Voters would have to approve the ballot measure for it to become law.

Supporters say the proposal would increase government stability and efficiency by giving Council members more time to delve into issues. It would also reduce the time and resources Council members have to spend on the campaign trail.

Critics say such a move could lead to entrenchment and decreased accountability.

Voters have rejected similar proposals seven times in the past 40 years.